The effect of modern construction techniques and aesthetic considerations in cafe facades: A case study of higher ground, Georgetown
List of Authors
  • Izzat Anuar, Nor Riezma Dania x The Effect of Modern Construction Techniques and Aesthetic

Keyword
  • Modern Construction Technique, Aesthetic Consideration, Cafe, Penang

Abstract
  • The café facades in Penang, Malaysia, exerted a substantial influence on the cultural and architectural character of the city. Nevertheless, numerous café proprietors neglected to acknowledge the potential to augment the visual appeal of their establishments, resulting in design choices that inadvertently diminished customer contentment and impeded business prosperity. This study examined the correlation between modern construction techniques and visual elements in the architectural design of café exteriors, particularly in the lively urban setting of Penang. The study utilised a mixed-method approach, which involved the use of quantitative surveys, structured questionnaires, direct observations, and in-depth interviews. The aim was to identify the main factors that contributed to the formation of visual identity and evaluate their impact on customer experience. The findings indicated that contemporary construction methods, such as the incorporation of glass and timber, significantly influenced decisions regarding aesthetics. Moreover, the intentional integration of HVAC systems and double-layer facade designs enhanced both aesthetic appeal and environmental comfort. This study highlighted the importance of purposeful design choices in creating facades that not only appealed to customers but also had a positive impact on the urban landscape of Penang.

Reference
  • 1. Shamsuddin, S., Sulaiman, A. B., & Che Amat, R. (2018). Historic Urban Landscape and the Character of George Town, Penang UNESCO World Heritage Site. Asian Journal of Environment-Behaviour Studies, 3(9), 27–35.

    2. Safri, S. N., & Mohi, Z. (2022). The Quality of Kopitiam Physical Environment: Are Patrons Satisfied? Journal of Tourism, Hospitality & Culinary Arts, 14(3). Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366740784

    3. Khoo, G. C. (2009). Kopitiam: Discursive Cosmopolitan Spaces and National Identity in Malaysian Culture and Media. Everyday Multiculturalism, 87–104. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230244474_5

    4. Amirul, M., Zamri, H., Majid, R. A., Mohd, R., Rasyidi, H., & Author, C. (2023). The Influential Factors of the Heritage Shophouses’ Architectural Design in Urban Historic Districts in Malaysia: A Review. Malaysian Journal of Sustainable Environment, 10(June), 37–60. https://doi.org/10.24191/MYSE.V0IJUNE.22671

    5. Wan Ali, W. N., & Ahmad, A. G. (2021). Systematic Inventory for Heritage Shophouse Facades in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Planning Malaysia, 19(5), 108–120. https://doi.org/10.21837/PM.V19I19.1064

    6. Wagner, A. (2017). Malaysian Shophouses: Creating Cities of Character. ScholarWorks@UARK. Retrieved from http://scholarworks.uark.edu/archuht/20

    7. Zubir, Z., Jing Hao, K., Hayati Hussain, N., & Favis Isip, P. (2017). Rejuvenating the Shophouse: Conservation of Historical Buildings in Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. International Journal of Heritage Architecture: Studies, Repairs and Maintenance, 2(2), 335–346. https://doi.org/10.2495/ha-v2-n2-335-346

    8. Kamal, M. A. (2020). Recent Advances in Material Science for Façade Systems in Contemporary Architecture: An Overview. American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 8(3), 97–104. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajcea-8-3-3

    9. Haryanto, Sampebulu, V., Wikantari, R., & Harisah, A. (2020). Informal Public Spaces: Typology of Coffee Shop Facades in Makassar City. Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, 55(6). https://doi.org/10.35741/issn.0258-2724.55.6.25

    10. Ahmad Sheikh, B., Kumar Sharma, P., & Ahmad, B. (2020). Modern and Conventional Construction Methods: A Review. International Journal of Research and Analytical Reviews. Retrieved from www.ijrar.org

    11. Yamazaki, Y. (n.d.). Future Innovative Construction Technologies: Directions and Strategies to Innovate the Construction Industry.

    12. Sadeghifar, M., Pazhouhanfar, M., & Farrokhzad, M. (2019). An Exploration of the Relationships Between Urban Building Façade Visual Elements and People’s Preferences in the City of Gorgan, Iran. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 15(6), 445–458. https://doi.org/10.1080/17452007.2018.1548340

    13. Soliman, A. (2022, February 2). Innovative Construction Material Technologies for Sustainable and Resilient Civil Infrastructure.

    14. Prieto, A., & Oldenhave, M. (2021). What Makes a Façade Beautiful? Journal of Facade Design and Engineering, 9(2), 21–45. https://doi.org/10.7480/jfde.2021.2.5540